Former GOP Rep. Mayra Flores Fights to Reclaim Rio Grande Valley Seat as Trump Backs Rival

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Mayra Flores, a former Republican congresswoman, is fighting to reclaim a House seat representing Texas' Rio Grande Valley. However, she is struggling to raise money and facing a challenge from Eric Flores, a lawyer and political newcomer, who has received the surprise endorsement of former President Donald Trump. The Flores v. Flores competition has become a personal confrontation between two young Hispanic conservatives, with the winner likely to be among the most closely watched Republicans in the state.

Why it matters

The race for this congressional district in the Rio Grande Valley is seen as a key battleground in the 2024 midterm elections, as Republicans aim to solidify their hold on a region that has seen a rightward shift in recent years. A Republican victory here could suggest the party is adapting to the country's changing demographics, while a loss could indicate that the party's recent gains in the area were a fluke.

The details

Mayra Flores won a special election in 2022 to become the first Republican in more than 150 years to represent the Rio Grande Valley in Congress. However, she lost two subsequent races to Democrat Vicente Gonzalez. Now, Flores is facing off against Eric Flores, a lawyer and political newcomer, in the Republican primary. Eric Flores has the endorsement of former President Donald Trump, which has shaken up the race and led to the withdrawal of another Republican candidate, Scott Mandel, who endorsed Eric Flores.

• Mayra Flores won a special election in 2022.
• Mayra Flores lost two subsequent races to Democrat Vicente Gonzalez.
• The March 3 primary will determine the Republican nominee for this congressional district.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Former President Trump is scheduled to visit the Rio Grande Valley region on Friday, with a stop in Corpus Christi, where he is expected to further campaign for Eric Flores.